Don't worry guys, I'm sure TBF will cut some all new trails this weekend!

Really?
Have you not noticed all the new trails that are popping up (on almost a weekly basis) without any TBF races going on?

The first TBF race of the year is tomorrow and people are already b!tching and moaning about TBF destroying the trails.
Let me ask this - have you actually seen the owners of TBF, or any of their volunteers, out cutting new lines? I didn't think so.
How about, instead of bad mouthing TBF, why don't you focus you irritation else where. Like the State Parks Dept that charges TBF thousands of dollars to issue permits for events. State Parks doesn't put any money into the trail system for repairs, maintenance or signage.
How about we talk about the dozens, maybe hundreds, of riders that carelessly ride new lines, cut corners, slide around turns, etc?
How about volunteering at FATRAC work days?
Blaiming TBF for trail damage is a cop out.

well said, Brew. I rode GB last weekend during daylight hours and couldn't believe all the new-to-me shortcut lines.

While I believe TBF could always do more to maintain/restore the GB trails they utilize rain or shine, I (and Brewtality) have been at a FATRAC trailwork day in GB, sponsored by TBF.

The underlying issue, however, is the lack of mtb-legal trails in the area, thus GB is getting used to death, by all user groups. It's the only trail system in the Folsom Lake area that isn't an out-and-back either... which makes it the default choice for many, including the High School coaches and their 40 kids who need a local, legal place to train/practice. Perhaps GB has exceeded it's carrying capacity...

While I believe TBF could always do more to maintain/restore the GB trails they utilize rain or shine, I (and Brewtality) have been at a FATRAC trailwork day in GB, sponsored by TBF.

The underlying issue, however, is the lack of mtb-legal trails in the area, thus GB is getting used to death, by all user groups. It's the only trail system in the Folsom Lake area that isn't an out-and-back either... which makes it the default choice for many, including the High School coaches and their 40 kids who need a local, legal place to train/practice. Perhaps GB has exceeded it's carrying capacity...

Agreed!

Also -- I rode GB this afternoon. The trails were freaking perfect! I don't know how they could be described as being so bad just the day before? There were a few muddy / slick spots in the usual low lying areas, but not bad, and the actual single track was tacky and great. The trails will hold up FINE for TBF's race tomorrow.

Let me ask this - have you actually seen the owners of TBF, or any of their volunteers, out cutting new lines? I didn't think so.
How about, instead of bad mouthing TBF, why don't you focus you irritation else where. Like the State Parks Dept that charges TBF thousands of dollars to issue permits for events. State Parks doesn't put any money into the trail system for repairs, maintenance or signage.
How about we talk about the dozens, maybe hundreds, of riders that carelessly ride new lines, cut corners, slide around turns, etc?
How about volunteering at FATRAC work days?

Look, my snark seems to have touched a nerve and I apologize for that.

The facts are that these races bring out a lot more traffic than is "normal" for this area, and I've ridden right after races and there are always new, wider lines cut in various areas. Is it sanctioned widening/cutting? No, I seriously doubt it. In fact I'd bet riders are told to stick to the lines. But the fact is that it happens. Be it racers, staff, or anyone involved, it represents TBF. Also the trash. Seriously people, buy some shorts with pockets to put your used GUs in.

I would love to see a breakdown of how much $$ TBF pays and how many labor hours are spent investing that money back into the trail system.
"State Parks doesn't put any money into the trail system for repairs, maintenance or signage."
Really? Yes, they have problems, but the fact of the matter is GB wouldn't exist without State Parks, and the hundreds (?) or staff that deals with everyday management of our parks. I'm sure they just dump that money into the rainy day fund or go on vacation. Yeah. That's it....

As for the dozens maybe hundreds ( I doubt it) of careless riders. Yes they're out there. But it's one or two or small groups. Not literally hundreds (or however many are racing today) concentrated. It's easier to manage the organized riders than some dude out riding, but if we see some dude doing it, yes we should say/do something.

I need to get involved with Fatrac. You're right there.

The other fact is as pointed out by many that GB has outgrown, or rather the demand and trail load has outgrown the area. I agree. Do we have a State Parks contact for this area? Maybe I'll make some calls next week and get more informed.

And now an example. This is not TBF, but was the routing of lines during the Merrel Down and Dirty last October. I watched the worker clear debris that was keeping people off the cut routes. I even told him, please don't move those, we're trying to let that area repair itself. He replied back that that is where he wanted to ride. Again, not blaming TBF, but just an example of one of the many groups using this area for organized races that not helping maintain this resource, but actively degrading it.Granite Bay Oct 2012 Merrel Race line cuts - Imgur

Do we have a State Parks contact for this area? Maybe I'll make some calls next week and get more informed.

And now an example. This is not TBF, but was the routing of lines during the Merrel Down and Dirty last October. I watched the worker clear debris that was keeping people off the cut routes. I even told him, please don't move those, we're trying to let that area repair itself. He replied back that that is where he wanted to ride. Again, not blaming TBF, but just an example of one of the many groups using this area for organized races that not helping maintain this resource, but actively degrading it.Granite Bay Oct 2012 Merrel Race line cuts - Imgur

Excellent example. Nice job taking photos too. I'm guessing State Parks collects their fee from the promoters, but doesn't sign off on the courses.

Micheaels final comment:
"For Folsom Lake SRA, the District believe part of the long term solutions include developing more trail opportunities for all users – but particularly mountain bikes - either through development of new trails or changes in use; and addressing the design and conditions inadequacies of the current trail system through repairs, re-routes and improved maintenance. Given the current intensity of use and the seemingly endless latent demand for trail use – it could be that some limitations on use, such as further reduction in special events involving trails may be needed to help reduce use conflicts. Perhaps our trails are exceeding their carrying capacity – both physically and socially."

Some of our local issues will hopefully be addressed in the upcoming Road and Trail Management Plan... and hopefully a lot of you submitted comments to support what's needed.

State Parks doesn't put any money into the trail system for repairs, maintenance or signage.

it put a smile on my face to see state park employees / rangers doing trail maintenance the last 2 out of 3 times I've been to GB this month!

One in particular was routing drainage and clearing debris before you cross the road on the singletrack that leads to the typical gb course parking lot. Right before you cross the road and go up the tiny root section, hard to explain but you probably know the area I'm talking about.

So, I guess the state park folks actually do help out on the trail. It's probably just not a high priority.

Slammin' Balls 2.2.13: Okay... who approved the cattle run out there?? A couple miles of pretty damaged trail out there today. And lots of pies. Hopefully some rain and knobbies will smooth it out over time. Otherwise, excellent by all measures elsewhere.

Salmon falls is not bad at all. It does get a little bit worse the closer you get to peninsula campground but not bad. Of all the local trails I would say SF has the least PO right now (don't know how Granite Bay is). I have a standard Tecnu procedure at the car to reduce the burn and have been clear of PO this spring.

Salmon falls is not bad at all. It does get a little bit worse the closer you get to peninsula campground but not bad. Of all the local trails I would say SF has the least PO right now (don't know how Granite Bay is). I have a standard Tecnu procedure at the car to reduce the burn and have been clear of PO this spring.

Agreed. Rode it tonight, and very little PO encroaching into the trail. There are some non-PO face slappers in a few corners that need to go, but overall it's in ok shape right now. Will need a brushing probably in the next month or so.

None that I have heard of and no telltale safety glass piles in the parking lot (pay lot, not sure about the free lot over the bridge). I have a pass and often park in the lower lot that also serves as the raft take out point. Good traffic through that lot with everyone coming and going may lead to less of a chance of break in. As usual taking a look in my car will show absolutely nothing laying around to tempt the thieves.

The last two weeks, I have spent around 4-6 hours cutting out po and low hanging foliage from the trail. From the bridge to the turn off going up Flagstaff is pretty clear. Saturday, I started clearing the manzanita out of the trail which veers off of the climb going up Flagstaff heading toward the bottom of Mickey. This section is really fast once you don't have to worry about the manzanita catching your bars. I was hoping to clear it out between Mickey and Minnie, but i ran out of steam.

Ya PO is all over GB, you can avoid it but and slight deviation from the center of the trail and your more than likely going to hit some. Otherwise the trail is in good shape. Going to try and make the HW Thursday night ride.